Three nights at Ayers Rock Resort - a luxury complex in the middle of the desert, 20km from the Rock. Definately the most expensive place to stay in Australia! Saw the amazing sunrise at the foot of the Rock, which glows bright orange. Completed the 9km hike around the base before the midday heat. On the second day we visited the Olgas - a mountain range 50km from Ayers Rock. Hiked through the steep gorges around one of the mountains. Incredible views that were e...

Took the senic railway from Cairns up into the mountain town of Kuranda. The track went along steep gorges and past many waterfalls. Amazing views of Carins and the bay in the distance. In Kuranda we walked through the rainforests and along the river. Went to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, where we saw hundreds of huge butterflies including the famous bright blue Uylsses. Visited the markets and craft shops, where Tora bought a beautiful Australia Opal.

4 day PADI Open Water Diver Course... 2 days in the classroom/pool and 2 days on the Reef. Had a really fun group of people + great instructors. Saw a Hawksbill Turtle and we found Nemo, but no sharks unfortunately. We are now certified divers wahoo! Mark did an extra Adventure Diver course on the 5th day, but Tora had to miss out due to a really painful ear infection :(

3 nights on board the Solway Lass, a 106 year old tallship. Sailed around the beautiful Whitsundays Islands. Had an amazing time relaxing, sunbathing and looking at views. Weather was ok - it only rained a few times. Beautifully clear nights + a new moon, so we saw millions of stars and a few shooting stars. Went snorkling twice to see the coral reefs - lots of colourful fish and giant clams. Had great fun on the ships rope swing + hoisting a few sails! The crew ...

Arrived in Airlie Beach after a painful 16 hour coach ride from Noosa. Airlie is a small resort town, gateway to the Whitsundays Islands. Spent a few days relaxing by the man-made lagoon. Also hiked 8km up a mountain for some great views.